The Manos Cruceñas Artisan Stores

A Brief History

In this blog edition, I would like to share with you a brief history of the Manos Cruceñas Artisan Stores. The Amigos Centro de Capacitación (CECAP) building opened in 2010 as a vocational training center for the greater community of Santa Cruz la Laguna. It offered courses in culinary arts, carpentry, ironwork, and artisan crafts. These artisan courses, geared towards women, included sewing, beading, weaving, and other crafts.

Below: The CECAP Building in Santa Cruz la Laguna, Guatemala

Recognizing that these women had limited opportunities to monetize their new skills, the Manos Cruceñas Artisan program was established, along with the first Manos Cruceñas Artisan Store. Initially, the store operated from a small office within the CECAP building, and was attended by the office staff. As the demand and interest in the artisans' products grew, the store relocated to a more visible area on the main floor of the building. Adjacent to the sewing class and production area, and next to the newly established Cafe Sabor Cruceno restaurant, this move increased sales and provided more income for the artisans. It soon became apparent that a production manager should be hired.

Below: Our first sewing machines!

In 2017, with the Cafe's move to a new rooftop location, the Manos Cruceñas Store expanded into the former cafe space. A store manager was hired who was assisted by the production manager. This larger area had greater visibility and was stocked with products that had become more professional and focused toward its clientele. Sales continued to increase aligning with the program’s goal of offering meaningful work at a meaningful wage.

Below: Our Store in the former Cafe space.

To reach a broader audience, the Manos Cruceñas Artisan Online Store was launched in the fall of 2017, complete with a U.S.-based distribution center. This online platform showcases a curated selection of products aimed at the North American market. https://www.amigosdesantacruz.org/store/

In 2022, further restructuring saw the sewing class and production area move to the space previously occupied by the store, while the store itself moved to the former class/production area. This new arrangement provided the store with even more space and visibility, further increasing sales and income for the artisans.

Below: Our current store

Today, the Manos Cruceñas Artisan program employs three full-time staff members and a part-time volunteer store manager, alongside a dedicated three-person Design Team. This volunteer team is responsible for designing new products and assisting in training artisans in their production.

The Manos Cruceñas Artisan Stores have grown significantly from their modest origins. Visitors are welcome to explore the brick-and-mortar store in Santa Cruz la Laguna, Guatemala or shop at our Online Store. https://www.amigosdesantacruz.org/store/

Every item you buy from our Manos Cruceñas Online Store or in person at our retail store helps our artisan mothers provide necessities for their families. We appreciate your support!

Maltiox! (Thanks!)